Implementation issues

• Author: Poleshchuk, Vadim
• Pages: 49-50

49

8 IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES

8.1 Dissemination of information, dialogue with NGOs and between social

partners

a) Dissemination of information about legal protection against discrimination (Article 10

Directive 2000/43 and Article 12 Directive 2000/78)

In 2019, Estonian authorities continued to support various activities, including seminars

and media publications,118 to promote equality and non-discrimination in Estonia on the

grounds provided in the directives.

b) Measures to encourage dialogue with NGOs with a view to promoting the principle of

equal treatment (Article 12 Directive 2000/43 and Article 14 Directive 2000/78)

In 2019, the Chancellor of Justice convened two councils, which are intended to advise the

Chancellor of Justice on human rights and the rights of persons with disabilities. Members

were elected to the councils in a public competition. Last year, both councils met twice.119

The Commissioner for Gender Equality and Equal Treatment mostly concentrates on issues

related to gender equality. However, her office, like the Office of the Chancellor of Justice,

deemed it necessary to promote dialogue with the third sector. This dialogue has also been

promoted by state and municipal institutions, especially in the context of social integration

activities. In practice, the Commissioner's activities cover all relevant grounds of

discrimination, not only gender.

c) Measures to promote dialogue between social partners to give effect to the principle

of equal treatment within workplace practices, codes of practice and workforce

monitoring (Article 11 Directive 2000/43 and Article 13 Directive 2000/78)

The Commissioner for Gender Equality and E qual Treatment maintains working contacts

with social partners to promote the principle of equal treatment in workplace.

d) Addressing the situation of Roma and Travellers

No specific body is appointed to address Roma issues on the national level.

8.2 Measures to ensure compliance with the principle of equal treatment

(Article 14 Directive 2000/43, Article 16 Directive 2000/78)

a) Compliance of national legislation (Articles 14(a) and 16(a))

Estonia has taken the necessary measures to ensure that any laws, regulations and

administrative provisions contrary to the principle of equal treatment are abolished (Article

14(a) of Directive 2000/43 and Article 16(a) of Directive 2000/78).

There are no laws, regulations and administrative provisions that are manifestly contrary

to the principle of equal treatment and still valid/applicable.

The provisions of the Estonian Constitution are directly applicable, and the basic principle

of equality and non-discrimination is provided for in Article 12.

118 See e.g. Commissioner for Gender Equality and Equal Treatment, at: https://volinik.ee/meedia.

119 Chancellor of Justice; Written communication no. 5-3/2001352 of 19 March 2020.